Anesthetist?

I have not been involved in anesthesia as long as others have but when I originally heard of CRNAs, I heard them referred to as anesthetists. When did AAs adopt this title? When I'm referred to as an anesthesiologist, I correct the patient and give a quick explanation of my position.

I've never worked with AAs, but all health care providers should correctly identify themselves. I want people to understand I am an advanced practice nurse, and introduce myself as a nurse anesthetist. AA - Anesthesiologist Assistant- does not include anesthetist so it's interesting that an AA would use the term anesthetist. Do you think he/she wants patients to think they are a nurse anesthetist?

I've never worked with AAs, but all health care providers should correctly identify themselves. I want people to understand I am an advanced practice nurse, and introduce myself as a nurse anesthetist. AA - Anesthesiologist Assistant- does not include anesthetist so it's interesting that an AA would use the term anesthetist. Do you think he/she wants patients to think they are a nurse anesthetist?

I was reading up on them a little and the AAAA website is anesthetist.com. I understand why we say anesthetist bc it's part of our name just wasn't sure why they did. Not to say that the general public necessarily knows the difference.

Jul 5, '13

You would also be entirely correct in introducing yourself as a Nurse-anesthesiologist.